How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Sixspotted mite—Eotetranychus sexmaculatus

Adults have eight legs and an oval body, with two red eyespots near the head end. They lack antennae
and body segmentation. They usually have a large dark blotch on each side of the body and numerous bristles
covering the legs and body.

Damage

Sixspotted mite feeding produces purple spots near the leaf veins and causes the leaves to drop.

Solutions

In the home garden, some mites can be tolerated. However, if numbers get too high, treat carefully with
insecticidal oil and water. Be sure the spray gets on the undersides of leaves, where mites are located.
Mites also have several natural
enemies, which often limit populations.

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